IN CONVERSATION WITH DALONG YANG

interview by JANA LETONJA

Dalong Yang has emerged as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary fashion imagery, bridging Eastern and Western aesthetics through a distinctly cinematic lens. Originally from China and now working globally, the New York–launched photographer and visual art director has built an international reputation for striking editorial work and iconic celebrity covers. As Visual Art Director of Schön! Magazine China and now Creative Director for the NOSENSE x Steve Aoki collaboration, Dalong continues to push the boundaries of fashion storytelling — blending art, culture, and commerce into a singular visual language.

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pants DAPHNE.LAB
necklace CHICXŪLAB
sunglasses GENTLE MONSTER
shoes TIMBERLAND

Your work spans multiple countries and cultures. How would you define your visual identity today?

In my current works, fashion elements or set props play a more auxiliary role in supporting the structure and tone of the imagery. More often, I delve into the personalities of the subjects and capture their current emotions, using my lens to engage in a silent dialogue with them. I hope my work can convey various emotions and some reflections.

You began your journey in New York and expanded globally. How did that transition shape your creative perspective?

Different cultural impacts and exchanges have prompted me to understand many things and feelings that I have never experienced before. Sometimes I imagine myself as a vessel, allowing these fresh things to be infused into my mind and blend with my native culture and thoughts, refining my own visual language and even my lifestyle.

Your photography often feels cinematic and narrative-driven. What draws you to storytelling within fashion?

I believe this stems from my love for life. Everyone's life is unique, and even with a common language, it's difficult for one person to truly understand another's life experiences. However, the language of images is powerful. It allows different people to observe and try to understand each other's feelings and lifestyles through their eyes, which I find meaningful. Secondly, for me, all creations originate from and serve life, and fashion is no exception.

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Over the past few years, how has your role as an art director influenced your work behind the camera?

I am an experiential learner who loves trying out different things. I have held various positions, such as graphic designer, curator, magazine editor, producer, and casting director. I have even worked in restaurants and non-profit organizations, which is quite crazy for me. When I return to daily shooting, these experiences enable me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the entire project, making the process more harmonious and smooth. Moreover, switching between different job roles also provides me with a lot of inspiration, as it is, after all, an experience of a different lifestyle.

You’ve collaborated with artists across different disciplines — music, fashion, film. How do those collaborations inspire you?

I believe these fields share some commonalities. For instance, when I listen to music, my mind naturally conjures up numerous images. Similarly, when I appreciate fashion or movies, I also generate many intriguing ideas for my photography. Furthermore, even the trivialities in daily life can evoke certain feelings in me, prompting me to express myself through my art. There is a Chinese proverb that translates to "In the company of three, there must be one who can teach me." I find this proverb aptly encapsulates the impact these collaborations have had on me.

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hand accessory DIRTY PINEAPPLE

What excited you about taking on the role of Creative Director for the NOSENSE x Steve Aoki project?

Firstly, I am a fan of Steve and it is a great honor for me to collaborate with him beyond photography. Secondly, I have been working with NOSENSE for many years, and we have essentially grown up together. Being able to facilitate this collaboration gives me a sense of milestone achievement. Of course, NOSENSE's imaginative and unrestrained design aligns perfectly with Steve's musical style. I believe that all of this happened by fate.

How does working with a musician like Steve Aoki differ from traditional fashion collaborations?

Steve possesses experience in design and branding, yet his primary focus remains on music creation. This combination allows his input to transcend traditional fashion design constraints, making the collaboration both intriguing and unrestrained.

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sunglasses A.SOCIETY
shoes aSCRY

Your background includes both marketing and fine arts. How do those two disciplines intersect in your work?

I believe that my background in marketing has equipped me with a deeper understanding of how to showcase and express myself in my work, and has enabled me to learn more quickly how to keep up with current trends.

You’ve spoken about wanting to merge fashion, art, and commerce. What does that balance look like in practice?

This is a problem I often face in my daily life. Sometimes when doing commercial gigs, I need to listen more to the needs of clients and give up some pursuit of art, and when I am doing pure creation, I also face a shortage of funds. To be honest, in the current global economic environment, I think this will be a persistent challenge, and I'm sure it's not just me who needs to face it. But from an optimistic perspective, adapting to it is also a kind of courage. I think if I can continue with hope, one day I will find the answer.

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How do you incorporate cultural elements — both Chinese and Western — into your visual storytelling?

I never intentionally incorporate elements of both Chinese and Western cultures into my works. As a photographer from China who has studied and lived in the West, I am naturally an individual influenced by both cultures, and my works are no exception.

Fashion imagery is evolving rapidly in the digital era. How do you stay ahead creatively?

Regardless of the era, I believe that telling a good story through images will not change. Photography that deviates from this original intention will not be wonderful, regardless of the medium that carries it. My beliefs will constantly inspire my creative inspiration and motivate me to constantly learn and improve as a photographer. 

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shoulder armour and earring NOVAFORGE

How do you maintain originality in an industry saturated with visual content?

In my daily life, I also appreciate other people's works, but the feeling of liking their works is far less than the feeling of creating my own original works. When you experience such pleasure, you naturally want to maintain your originality. The inspiration for creation comes from life. By observing and experiencing life carefully, inspiration can continue to flow.

Are there new mediums or formats you’re interested in exploring beyond photography?

I think everyone should have realized that AI has begun to enter every aspect of our lives, and attitudes towards it seem to show a serious polarization. In my opinion, avoiding it is not a long-term solution. Learning and understanding it can prepare us for its full arrival. So now I occasionally add some AI elements to my photography works. Who knows, perhaps in the near future, AI will assist us creators in opening broader doors in creating. Let’s see.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent DALONG YANG
photography NGUYEN DU
styling IVY LEUNG
hair and makeup WEN QI
production CORY TRAN and VALENTINA GUROVA
styling assistants MING, LU, and GUAGUA
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN